First 24 Hours: What to Do After an ICE Arrest

Call Now

United We Dream: 1-844-363-1423 (24/7)

RAICES: 1-833-468-4664

Immediate Priorities (First 2 Hours)

1. Stay Calm and Gather Information

If you witnessed the arrest or spoke to your loved one:

[ ] Where were they arrested? (address, city)
[ ] What time?
[ ] What agency? (ICE, local police, CBP)
[ ] Badge numbers or agent names?
[ ] Where were they taken?
[ ] Did they have their phone?

2. Try to Reach Them

If they have a phone: They may be able to call you
Local jail: Call jails near the arrest location
ICE Locator: locator.ice.gov (may take 24-48 hours to update)
ICE Phone: 1-888-351-4024

3. Contact an Attorney

Finding legal help immediately is critical:

CLINIC Legal Directory: cliniclegal.org
Immigration Advocates Network: immigrationadvocates.org
Local legal aid organizations
Law school immigration clinics

First 6 Hours

Locate Them

Search ICE Locator - locator.ice.gov
Call local jails - Where the arrest occurred
Call ICE ERO - 1-888-351-4024
Check court records - If there was a criminal arrest first

Full Guide: Locate a Detainee

Gather Documents

Start collecting these documents for their case:

Identity Documents:

[ ] Passport (any country)
[ ] Birth certificate
[ ] Driver's license or state ID
[ ] Any immigration documents (I-94, visa, EAD, green card)

Family Documents:

[ ] Marriage certificate
[ ] Children's birth certificates (especially U.S. citizen children)
[ ] Custody documents

Evidence of Ties:

[ ] Tax returns (past 3-5 years)
[ ] Employment records
[ ] Lease or mortgage documents
[ ] Utility bills in their name
[ ] School records for children
[ ] Community involvement (church, organizations)

Medical Records:

[ ] Current medications list
[ ] Chronic conditions documentation
[ ] Mental health treatment records
[ ] Prescriptions

Childcare Arrangements

If children need immediate care:

Contact designated emergency caregivers
Ensure children have school access
Consider legal guardianship documentation
Parent Emergency Planning Guide

First 24 Hours

Find Legal Representation

Questions to ask potential attorneys:

Do you handle immigration detention cases?
What are your fees? Do you offer payment plans?
Have you handled similar cases?
Can you visit the detention facility?
What is the timeline for the case?

Warning Signs (Avoid These):

Guarantees a specific outcome
Asks for payment in cash only
Claims to have "special connections"
Refuses to provide a written contract
Is a "notario" and not a licensed attorney

Prepare for Bond

If your loved one may be eligible for bond:

Gather evidence of:

[ ] Length of time in the U.S.
[ ] Family ties (especially U.S. citizens)
[ ] Employment history
[ ] Community ties
[ ] No danger to community
[ ] Will appear at court hearings

Prepare financially:

Immigration bonds are typically $1,500-$25,000+
Bond must be paid in full
Can use a bond company (8-15% fee)
Bond is returned when case concludes if person appears at all hearings

Set Up Communication

Phone Accounts: Most facilities use contracted phone services:

Securus
GettingOut (GTL)
ICSolutions

To receive calls:

Register your phone number
Set up prepaid account or accept collect calls
Calls may cost $0.21-$1.00+ per minute

Commissary Account:

Money for phone calls, snacks, hygiene items
Send money orders or use facility website
Keep receipts for all deposits

What NOT to Do

Don't	Why
Panic	Clear thinking helps your loved one
Talk to ICE without an attorney	Anything you say can be used against them
Post on social media	ICE monitors social media
Pay notarios claiming to be lawyers	Many are scammers - verify credentials
Sign anything you don't understand	Get it translated and reviewed
Give up	Many people win their cases

If They Call You

What to Tell Them

"We're working on finding an attorney"
"Don't sign anything without an attorney"
"Assert your right to remain silent"
"We love you and we're fighting for you"
"What is your A-Number?"
"What facility are you in?"

What to Ask Them

[ ] A-Number (9-digit number starting with A)
[ ] Facility name and address
[ ] Hearing date (if they know)
[ ] Any medical needs
[ ] Who to contact for them
[ ] What documents they need

Emergency Checklist

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│         FIRST 24 HOURS CHECKLIST            │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│                                             │
│  IMMEDIATE (0-2 hours):                     │
│  □ Gather information about arrest          │
│  □ Call hotline: 1-844-363-1423             │
│  □ Start searching for attorney             │
│                                             │
│  FIRST 6 HOURS:                             │
│  □ Search ICE Locator: locator.ice.gov      │
│  □ Call local jails                         │
│  □ Begin gathering documents                │
│  □ Arrange childcare if needed              │
│                                             │
│  FIRST 24 HOURS:                            │
│  □ Secure attorney representation           │
│  □ Set up phone account                     │
│  □ Prepare bond evidence                    │
│  □ Send money for commissary                │
│                                             │
│  REMEMBER:                                  │
│  • Don't sign without attorney              │
│  • Don't post on social media               │
│  • Don't give up                            │
│                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Important Numbers

Resource	Phone
United We Dream	1-844-363-1423
ICE Locator	1-888-351-4024
EOIR Court Info	1-800-898-7180
RAICES	1-833-468-4664
ORR (Minors)	1-800-203-7001